I’ve been reading some historical fiction over the last couple of days, but as two of the books I reviewed were for The Historical Novels Review, I can’t post those reviews here until they appear in print. (By the way, if you haven’t been to the Historical Novel Society’s website, check it out—it’s well worth […]
Barnes, Bees, and Book-Buying Read More »
While I was in Barnes & Noble Saturday night (yes, I’m a party gal, what can I say?), I heard a little boy nearby say to his father, “But I can’t pick just one!” I feel this child’s pain. Also, while driving (or being driven) on the interstate today, I briefly stopped cringing and wishing
Random Thoughts, and a Driving Question Read More »
In the midst of a jolly day yesterday, I surfed over to Amazon and discovered that The Traitor’s Wife had received a one-star review, or to put it more accurately, a comment. It consisted of a sentence, in which the writer stated that she was suspicious that the Alianor who had given me a five-star
Suspisious, or Suspicious, Minds Read More »
The Amazon and eBay gods have been smiling upon me, as well as the library gods, so I have several historical novels to read. I’m in the middle of My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes, and so far I think it’s the best of her novels I’ve read. More to come. I’ve got
Piles o’ Books, and a Question about Opinion Read More »
Probably because of thinking dark thoughts about historical novelists who don’t bother to do research and about all of those hunky Scotsmen who have populated much of my recent reading: The Dante’s Inferno Test has banished you to the Fifth Level of Hell!Here is how you matched up against all the levels: Level Score Purgatory
I’m a Wrathful, Gloomy, Lustful Mouse Read More »
I’m not generally a fan of mysteries, except for those of P. D. James, but if it’s about Edward II, I’ll buy it, so naturally I eagerly awaited The Cup of Ghosts by the amazingly prolific Paul Doherty (not only does he manage two or three novels a year, he’s a school headmaster). It’s the
Will The Cup of Ghosts Be Your Cup of Tea? Read More »
This being Memorial Day weekend, I would normally be at the beach, but as our family was away last weekend, it seemed better for all concerned to spend this weekend at home catching up. Instead, I sashayed down to the local university library, which is at its nicest in the summer. No pesky undergraduates hogging
Better than the Beach, Almost Read More »
To Hugh le Despenser the younger and Eleanor de Clare (heroine of my favorite historical novel), married on May 26, 1306. Edward I, Eleanor’s grandfather, paid for the minstrels for the wedding, which took place at the king’s chapel at Westminster. (This information comes from a thesis by Richard Rastall, available online here.) According to
Happy 700th Anniversary . . . Read More »
Thanks to Alianor, who sent me a photocopy, I just finished Alianor by Maureen Peters. (It’s not every day you get to write a sentence like that.) This is a 1984 historical novel about Eleanor of Provence, Henry III’s queen. It’s easier to find in the UK than in the US, apparently, but whether it’s
A Disappointing Look at a Controversial Queen Read More »
For those who have asked, here’s a rearview picture of me in my dress, wimple, and hat (I’m ever so bashful). I think I’m going to replace the wimple with just a veil, since either covers my hair quite adequately and the veil is somewhat more flattering. I know the lacing is crooked, but it
Headless Woman Cover? No, It’s a Faceless Author Picture Read More »